CHAPTER 5: Applications

Transcription

1 CHAPTER 5: Applications Although you are giving the employer your resume and cover letter, you may be required to fi ll out an application form when you apply for a job. The information on your job application should be completely accurate, match what s on your resume, and be error-free. The Big Picture Step 1: Fill Out the Job Application Form Step 2: Follow Up with the Employer If you pick up a job application from an employer, Go alone. It s not appropriate to bring children, relatives, or friends with you when you pick up a job application. Be dressed as if you were already working at that job (or even a little bit nicer) to make a good fi rst impression. Request two copies of the application the fi rst copy is for you to fi ll out in your best handwriting to give to the employer, and the second is for you to fi ll out for yourself and take with you to the interview. Print very clearly in black ink. You may also use dark blue ink, but if the employer will fax your application anywhere (such as to their corporate offi ce), blue ink doesn t show up as well on faxed copies. Fill out all the blanks on an application. If something on the application doesn t apply to you, write N/A (not applicable) in the blank. Even if you have a resume to give to the employer, fi ll out the application completely. If you make a mistake fi lling out the application, ask for a new one. You may also take the application with you, fi ll it out at home, and then bring it back to the employer. Step 1: Fill Out the Job Application Form Job application data sheets (essentially a sample job application) are included here for you to fi ll out and take with you when you apply for jobs. Directions for each of the sections are written below. Refer to your resume and cover letter as you complete the application. If you ve already written a resume and cover letter, fi lling out job applications will be very easy. Job applications generally ask for your contact information, the job you re applying for, your education, employment history, and references. You may be asked for your driver s license number if driving is part of the job duties. It is a good idea to stay prepared for fi lling out job applications by keeping track of the names, addresses, names of supervisors and the phone numbers of companies you ve worked for in the past. Naturally much of the information you fi ll out on a job application can be copied straight from your resume. It s also possible that instead of a paper application, you may be asked to fi ll out your job application on the company s website or into a software program. Still dress as if you were applying for the job in person, have all your information with you so you can easily type it into the blanks, and follow all instructions. Be prepared to take a quick test about your knowledge of the position, and also be prepared to be interviewed immediately after fi lling out the application. As with paper applications, fi ll in every blank and if something is not applicable, type N/A in the blank. You also may want to ask if you will be timed while fi lling out the application on the computer. If on a job application you are asked to indicate when you could start work, be sure to write that you need to give two weeks notice to your current employer. If you are not currently employed, you may write immediately for the start date. When you fi ll out a job application, some companies may also ask you to fi ll out an affi rmative action questionnaire. This is a confi dential document that the federal government requests. It is not used as a part of the hiring decision. 33

2 A Personal Information (Your Contact Information) The information here matches what s on your resume and cover letter. A note about providing your Social Security number Many job applications have a section for you to list your Social Security number. If you are concerned about identity theft and would rather not supply it, ask if you may provide it to the employer upon being offered the position. B Position and Hours (Desired Employment) This section includes the position you are applying for, your potential start date, salary desired, and other details about how you heard about the position. Do not enter a dollar amount in the salary desired box! Write either negotiable or open in the salary box. Listing a salary is the easiest way for employers to eliminate you from consideration for the job. Why should I write negotiable instead of listing a dollar amount? If the employer is willing to pay $24,000 per year and you list on your application that you want $30,000, you have just told the employer to put your application in the no pile. If you list that you want $18,000 per year, you will probably still be in the yes pile, but the employer will know that he or she can offer you $18,000 and you ll be happy (which saves him or her $6000). Let the employer be the fi rst one to mention dollar amounts during your interview. 34

3 Employment Application Data Worksheet part 1 Employment Application Remove these pages from the workbook and take them with you as reminders when you fi ll out job applications. A PERSONAL INFORMATION Last First Middle Present Street Permanent Street Perferred or Nickname Present City, State, Zip Permanent City, State, Zip Home Phone Best time to call Are you legally eligible for employment in the United States? You will need to provide proof of identity and your citizenship/immigration status upon employment. Under Age of 18? If you are under 18, you will need to provide a copy of your work permit upon employment. Were you previously employed by this company? If yes, ending date / / Department Supervisor s Reason for leaving Day Phone Best time to call Social Security Number Memorize it! - - address Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in the last 7 years or have a pending case? Check with your state s Civil Rights Bureau or Equal Rights Commission for more information about the use of arrest and conviction records in employment and to learn about laws in your state and locality that may protect you from discrimination. Position Title Which Location List any family or friends who work at this company. Relationship B POSITION AND HOURS Circle the following options which you would consider: 1st Shift 2nd Shift 3rd Shift Full-time Part-time Temporary Seasonal Holiday Weekdays Weekends Extended Hours On call (short notice) Are you willing to relocate in the future? Hours you re available to work Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday to to to to Have read the requirments of the postion? Do you meet all the requirements? If no, which requirements? Friday Saturday Sunday to to to 35

4 C D E F G Education Fill in the location and dates of the schools you attended. Other Languages If you speak any languages in addition to English, list those languages and your fl uency (how well you speak them). Awards If you received awards for your work or while you were at school, you may list them here. Drug Free Environment/Testing Many employers will require that you take and pass a drug test in order to get the job. Driving If driving a vehicle is part of the job duties, you will be asked about your driving record, your insurance policy information, and your driver s license number. 36

5 High School Employment Application Data Worksheet part 2 of School/Location Last year completed City, State, Zip C EDUCATION (circle answers) Did you graduate? List year Year Grade Point Average Subjects studied, degree or license/certifi cation received (list expiration date) College Trade/ Business City, State, Zip City, State, Zip Year Year Class/ Training Fluent Year City, State Zip D OTHER LANGUAGES E AWARDS Speak Read Write List awards or recognition at school/college or work Date From For Date From For Good Date For From Fair F DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT We are a drug free environment. Are you willing to take a pre-employment drug test? G DRIVING (only fill this section out if driving is a job duty) If the job duties include driving a car or other vehicle, you may need personal auto liability insurance, in addition to comprehensive and auto collision coverage. You may be required to provide the employer with a valid copy of your insurance policy or declarations page and proof that you continue to pay premiums. To verify this information, the employer may contact your insurance company. The employer may also check your motor vehicle report to see whether you are eligible to drive. Have you had at least one year of driving experience in the Insurance Company U.S.? Have you received any speeding tickets or other traffi c citations within the last 3 years? If yes, please explain Have you been involved in a traffi c accident in the last 3 years? If yes, please give details State Driver s License Number State Date Issued / / Policy Expiration Date / / Has your driver s license ever been suspended or revoked? If yes, please explain List the vehicles which will be used on the job: Year & Model State & License Plate # Have you read the company s driving policies? Do you agree to follow these driving policies? 37

6 H I Employment or Volunteer History Fill in the name of each company you worked for, street address, dates, supervisor s name, and so on. Most of this information will come from your resume. Make sure that your employment dates don t confl ict with each other (unless you were working more than one job during that time). List any special skills or training you have, in addition to any other information requested. Again, refer to your resume and cover letter. The Reason for Leaving Line As mentioned in the fi rst chapter, many people have concerns about things they think are problems with their work history. Often what to write in the reason for leaving line on job applications causes them a lot of stress. If you look at the reason for leaving line on a job application and don t know what to put there, you are not alone. If there is something in your work history that you have concerns about, it s a very good idea to talk to an employment counselor at your local Job Service or Workforce Development offi ce. If you don t wish to talk with an employment counselor, ask a family member or friend for ideas. Options to write in this section: Career change Business closed Seasonal Please see me (useful if you were fi red from a job) Will discuss in interview (also useful if you were fi red) Layoff/Downsized Again, under no circumstances should you lie about or misrepresent your work history on a resume, in a cover letter, or on a job application. If you are found to have lied about or misrepresented anything in your work history, most companies will fi re you the moment they discover the truth. J K Military Service Record If you served in the military, list your branch, dates of service, main occupation, whether you were honorably discharged, and your duties and responsibilities in civilian terms. You may also list any special training you completed or honors you received. Skills or Computer Program Knowledge If you have computer skills, list them here. You may also wish to list any licenses or certifi cations that you have. 38

7 EMPLOYMENT/ VOLUNTEER HISTORY Check if none Begin with your present or most recent employer. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper. Employer Employment Application Data Worksheet part 3 H Employment Dates / / to / / Final Hourly Rate/Salary $ Job Title List Duties/Skills/Responsibilities City, State Zip Supervisor s Phone - - ext Second most recent employer Employer City, State Zip Supervisor s Phone - - ext Branch of Service at Separation City, State Zip Did you leave in good standing? Reason for leaving? Employment Dates / / to / / Final Hourly Rate/Salary $ Did you leave in good standing? Reason for leaving? J MILITARY SERVICE Dates of Service / / to / / Military Rank /Monthly Salary Rank $ Honorable Discharge I I Job Title List Duties/Skills/Responsibilities Job Code/Occupation Title List Duties/Skills/Responsibilities/Training Company/Unit Phone List Honors/Awards/Medals Superior s Superior s Telephone ( ) - May we contact your superior? K SKILLS OR COMPUTER PROGRAMS List any skills or computer programs you are familiar with if not included in your work experience. 39

8 L M N O References As mentioned in Chapter 3, references are people who know you well, and who can give potential employers information about the type of worker you are. References are frequently Supervisors and co-workers from current or previous jobs High school teachers and counselors People in your neighborhood, spiritual group, or community organizations you participate in Any dependable, mature adult who knows you well. Before you list someone as a reference, you must ask for his or her permission. Most people are very pleased to be one of your references, but occasionally you may have someone refuse. If this happens to you, politely thank the person for his or her time and fi nd someone else. Again, do not use your family and close friends as references. You will generally have three people as your references. You will need the reference s full name and title, place of employment, full address, one or two daytime phone numbers, and a short description of how you know him/her. An address is helpful as well. Let your references know the jobs you re applying for so they know to expect a call from those companies. Company Questions You may be asked to write a short statement of why you would like to work for the company or what attracted you to the position. Think about what you can offer the employer when you answer this question. Application Authorization Be sure you have read any fi ne print in the authorization section. Your signature indicates that what is on the application is true to the best of your knowledge, and that the employer may check any of the information listed to make sure it s true. The authorization section may also state that you will be required to take a drug test if hired. Sign and Date Your Application You will also sign and date the application. In-House Evaluation A sample in-house evaluation is shown below. An evaluation is similar to being graded on your resume, application, or interview. Take a look at how an employer might rate a person being interviewed. RECOMMENDATION DRIVING REMARKS SCHOOL MILITARY WORK # 2 WORK # 1 ACE COMPANY OFFICE USE ONLY REFERENCE CHECK Starting Date Ending Date Awards Contact Phone Total Days Late Non-authorized Absents Disciplinary actions, write-ups or reprimands / / Strengths Weakness Starting Date Ending Date Awards Staff initials Contact Phone Total Days Late Non-authorized Absents Disciplinary actions, write-ups or reprimands / / Strengths Weakness Starting Date Ending Date Awards Staff initials Contact Phone Total Days Late Non-authorized Absents Disciplinary actions, write-ups or reprimands / / Strengths Weakness Staff initials Graduation Year GPA Attendence Degree/Licence Awards Contact Phone Strengths Weakness / / Staff initials passed drug test & physical did not pass drug test & physical (staple fi le to application) Interview date / / Time AM/PM I(I=impressive. G=good, O=OK, N=not acceptable) Neatness Character/Personality Team Player Ability/Skills needed Date MVR requested / / Requested by / / Date Rec d / / Eligible Not Eligible (per guidelines) Hired Confi rmed: in person phone Date / / Date Starting / / Supervisor Starting Wage $ Denied, keep applicant on fi le for future openings Letter sent / / Denied Letter sent / / Staff initials Staff initials Step 2: Follow Up with the Employer i About a week after you fi lled out the application, you may contact the employer to make sure they read your application, request an interview, and/or check to see whether the position has been fi lled. Always be polite and friendly when you contact employers. Some employers send or fax all job applications to their corporate offi ce, and then someone from human resources will contact you for an interview. When you fi ll out the application, you may ask what the process is at that company. 40

9 REFERENCES List three character references you have known for over a year whom we may contact. City State Zip Employment Application Data Worksheet part 3 L City State Zip City State Zip Phone - - Phone - - Phone - - Best day & time to be reached Best day & time to be reached Best day & time to be reached Relationship Relationship Relationship Years Known Years Known Years Known M Why would you like to work for this company? How did you hear about this position? Circle Visited a company offi ce Job/career fair Employment agency School, list name of school Newspaper Internet, list website name Employee Other, list N APPLICATION AUTHORIZATION Read this section carefully before you sign it, and be sure to ask if you re unsure about something included here. This section may state Everything in the application is true and complete to the best of your knowledge You completed the application yourself (a family member or friend didn t complete it for you) How long the company will keep your application on fi le ( active ) Your application is not the same as a job offer If you are offered a job, the company may contact your references, do a background check, check your credit history, or ask that you take and pass a drug test This section may also include work rules you ll have to agree to if you are hired by the company. Some rules might be You will obey your supervisor s instructions You will follow all safety procedures If anything on your application is found to be false, misleading, or concealed, you may lose your job O Your Signature Date / / 41